Kanja assures tight security during festive season

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has affirmed to Kenyans of heightened security measures across the country as the festive season approaches.

Kanja said the National Police Service (NPS) is already working closely with regional commanders and other security agencies to ensure that citizens, businesses and visitors enjoy peace and safety during the December holidays.

Speaking on Friday during a consultative meeting with regional commanders in South C, Nairobi, the IG said the coordination of security operations is key in detecting and preventing crime before it occurs.

Kanja said that regular consultations among commanders and intelligence units allow the police to be adequately prepared and responsive to emerging threats.

“We must, from time to time, come together to discuss and strategise because we must at all times remain a step ahead of criminals,” Kanja said.

“We are hopeful that even as the festive season draws closer, all Kenyans will have enough security.”

He noted that coordinated operations will be intelligence-led, involving officers from the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), ground commanders, and local police formations.

According to him, effective policing requires cooperation and information-sharing rather than working in isolation.

“When we all work together, we have intelligence-led operations, meaning everyone is contributing. We bring together all officers and agencies to ensure unity of purpose, and when we do that, we all succeed,” he added.

The IG highlighted that the festive season often comes with increased activities and social gatherings, factors that may sometimes lead to spikes in criminal activities such as alcohol-related offences.

To counter this, he said patrols will continue intensifying crackdowns in towns to deal with potential criminal activities.

At the same time, Kanja issued a stern warning to individuals involved in the production and sale of illicit brews and narcotics.

He said the police will continue to work alongside national and county authorities to dismantle networks that are supplying harmful substances in residential and rural communities.

“All illicit brews, the ones commonly referred to as second-generation alcohol, and narcotic drugs are destroying our society,” Kanja said.

He urged officers to remain vigilant, disciplined and firm in enforcing the law, stressing that the police service must operate professionally while upholding the dignity and rights of all Kenyans.

Kanja’s assurance comes as Kenyans prepare for increased travel, shopping and social events, with authorities keen to prevent incidents that could mar the festive celebrations.

The festive season is typically marked by increased travel, bustl

ing business activity, and frequent social events — all of which can contribute to a surge in criminal incidents.